Business’ apprentices valued

 

Posted on 11/08/16 in

​Port Hedland business Brooks Hire Services has been dedicated to training local apprentices for 18 years.

The family-owned company established in 1979 operates nationwide across Australia, providing services to the civil and mining industries.

With more than 1000 pieces of machinery in its hire fleet, Brooks is one of the largest privately owned hire company in the country.

Brooks Hire Service has been committed to training since its inception, establishing a partnership with Apprenticeship Support Australia 18 years ago and signing up 20 apprentices during this time to train them in how to run the operational part of the business.

Having apprentices trained to specific business needs, complete with a nationally recognised qualification, has allowed skill requirements to be met.

Brooks human resources professional Kristy Forrest recognises the value apprentices bring to the business.

“They bring a fresh perspective to the workforce, as well as their willingness to learn and grow with the business,” she said.

Experts say Generation Y is known for the two-year itch and can be a workforce difficult to retain.

Facilitating apprenticeships and traineeships in regional areas has given business such as Brooks the opportunity to employ local young people.

This provides an opportunity to put young people on a development path, which is also a great retention tool.

Building a skilled workforce in regional WA through training and apprenticeship helps businesses stay competitive.

“Apprentices’ assistance is highly important in ensuring that the fleet is maintained in a safe and operational manner,” Ms Forrest said. Apprenticeships generally last between three and four years and having continuous access to ongoing assistance and guidance ensures a successful outcome. “Apprenticeship Support Australia has worked closely with us over the 18 years to continuously provide us with exceptional advice and support throughout the entire apprentice process,” Ms Forrest said.

“Not only do we look to Apprenticeship Support Australia for their support and guidance, but we also rely on (the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s) expertise in all our industrial relations issues,” she said.

Apprenticeship Support Australia is celebrating 18 years of supporting Port Hedland and Newman businesses and the community through apprenticeships and traineeships.

› Brooke Wilson and Tarin Colwill are Pilbara-based industry training consultants with Apprenticeship Support Australia, a Statewide Australian Apprenticeship support network provider. If you have any questions about apprenticeships, traineeships and training options in your business and community, phone Brooke (Newman) on 0417 925 554 or Tarin (Port Hedland) on 0438 716 583.

Source: Nortwest Telegraph

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